Mayor thanks Voluntary Services Lewisham who drive local residents to a day care centre

Damien Egan, the Mayor of Lewisham, has paid a new year visit to Voluntary Services Lewisham (VSL) to thank volunteers who drive local residents to a day care centre at the Calabash Centre, in George Lane, Lewisham.

After meeting volunteers, Mr Egan said: “I want to thank the volunteers who are giving up their time to help support our older and vulnerable residents get to the Calabash Day Centre.

“They are vital in helping residents to live active lives, where they can meet others and are not stuck at home on their own.”

Volunteer Paul Reynolds said: “I am really happy that I can offer my time and skills to help older people to get out of the home so that they can meet their friends.”

Viji Ravindra said: “I love volunteering for VSL and meeting all the new people. I think that it is really important to give something back, so people are not stuck at home”.

Steve McKlow said: “Volunteering for VSL stops vulnerable people in the community from being isolated and it is also really good for my wellbeing.”

In April 2018, VSL started providing transport for 40 older adults to go to their day services at the Calabash centre in George Lane.

Volunteer drivers and passenger assistants transport 20 people every day to and from the day service, which supports older people with disabilities and dementia to socialise and enjoy a range of activities from seated exercise classes to arts and crafts.

Volunteers are fully trained to drive the minibus and safely support wheelchair users and people with other mobility needs and dementia.